Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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Governor Kay Ivey
on Wednesday signed into law SB149, the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act, authorizing the creation of a broadband accessibility grant program to be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

AUBURN, Ala., March 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Auburn University President Steven Leath today
announced plans to hire 500 tenure-track faculty by 2022 targeting a broad range of research and scholarly disciplines at the leading land-grant university.

"Our vision for Auburn is to become a world-class academic, research and service university in the true spirit of our land-grant heritage," said
Leath. "The strategy and initiatives launched today are designed to position Auburn as an undisputed go-to destination for that special caliber of student, faculty, staff and development partner driven to make a meaningful impact on the state of Alabama, the nation and the world."

The newscast included live interviews with officials from HudsonAlpha and UAB to talk about the dynamic work being done in genomic medicine research and development throughout the state.

HudsonAlpha is, in many ways, leading the charge globally when it comes to genomic research. But officials said to maximize what can be done in biotechnology, it was important for HudsonAlpha and other institutions to create an ecosystem throughout Alabama.

Tim Vines has been elected as the new president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the insurer announced Wednesday.

According to information released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Vines has a 24-year history with the company; past jobs have included president and chief operating officer, chief administrative officer and senior vice president for health management.

He is a native of LaFayette, Ala., a Chambers County city east of Alexander City.